EditEU launches initiative to support easternmost regions amid geopolitical tensions
The aim is to reinforce the resilience of regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to the profit of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland
The European Commission announced on 11 August a call for public and expert input regarding the upcoming Pact for Eastern border regions.
This initiative, called “Pact for Eastern border regions”, aims to identify measures that can address obstacles to socio-economic development while simultaneously enhancing civil preparedness and security in those areas.
Expected to be adopted by the end of 2025, the Pact seeks to reinforce the resilience of regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine – regions significantly impacted by recent geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
Strengthening resilience in a complex geopolitical landscape
The Pact for Eastern border regions is a strategic EU effort to bolster regions such as Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—collectively known as the Eastern Border Regions (EBRs), which share borders with Russia and Belarus.
These regions face unique challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including restricted cross-border interactions, security threats, and economic disruptions.
In response, the European Union is committed to a coordinated approach across multiple levels – EU institutions, national governments, regional authorities, and local communities, to address these challenges. The initiative involves enhanced border security, economic support measures, and tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of border populations.
Key measures and funding proposals
The European Commission has proposed targeted support measures, including a review of cohesion policies to promote economic transformation, resilience, and defense-related initiatives. Notably, a significant increase in the EU’s budget for this purpose has been suggested within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, reflecting the importance of these regions to EU security and stability.
Raffaele Fitto, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, emphasised the significance of these border regions.
“The eastern border regions are not just national borders – they are European borders. The EU’s engagement in these areas is vital for safeguarding our shared values. We have a responsibility to ensure that residents feel safe, protected, and supported. The Pact will serve as a strategic roadmap, offering tailored solutions to foster development and reinforce EU-level support”, Fitto stated.
The initial step in shaping the Pact involves a call for comments and evidence, open on the ‘Express Your Opinion’ portal until 4 September. This consultation primarily targets national and local authorities, businesses, civil society organizations, youth, and academia. The aim is to gather diverse perspectives to inform effective, territory-specific solutions.
“We have listened to communities along the eastern border during recent visits, witnessing their resilience firsthand. Now, we are committed to translating those insights into concrete actions through the Pact, which will reflect the real needs of these territories.”, Fitto underscored the importance of this inclusive process.
Historical context and the impact of recent conflicts
Historically, border communities in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland enjoyed close ties with their Russian and Belarusian neighbors through trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges—supported by EU-funded Interreg projects.
However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 abruptly severed many of these connections, closing borders and disrupting cooperation.
The European Commission swiftly responded by reallocating €150 million to help affected regions. This funding aimed to foster new partnerships within the EU and adapt existing strategies, ensuring continuity of ongoing projects despite the suspension of cooperation with Russia and Belarus.
For the 2021–2027 period, similar reallocations of €150 million from planned Interreg programmes were made to bolster cross-border collaboration within the EU, expanding the geographical scope of programs to include all affected border regions.
High-level visits, including President Ursula von der Leyen’s trip to the Finnish-Russian border, exemplify the EU’s ongoing commitment. Recent visits, such as a delegation to Estonia in January 2024, have focused on recovery efforts and transformative projects like Neo Performance Materials’ new magnet manufacturing facility in Narva, supported by €18.5 million from the Just Transition Fund.
As discussions on the future of EU cohesion policy beyond 2027 unfold, support for these border regions remains a priority. Interreg programs will continue to foster cross-border cooperation and stimulate economic development, helping regions reposition themselves as stable, attractive places to live, work, and invest.
Jean-Pierre Halkin, Head of Unit for European Territorial Cooperation, summarised the EU’s outlook: “Building new partnerships takes time, but these regions have the potential to emerge as resilient, innovative hubs. With sustained support, they can redefine their future in a changing geopolitical landscape.”
Sources used: European Commission communications
Caption: General view of the border post between Finland and Russia at the Vartius border, in Vartius, Finland, 24 June 2025. The Finnish Border Guard, an internal security authority that operates under the lead of the Finland Ministry of the Interior, aims to maintain peaceful conditions at the borders. EPA/JANNE KURONEN
Updated: August 12, 2025 - 11:29
